Fuel Tank Innovation

Contribution by Chris Bester

Safair has always been characterised by a “can do” approach to any problem and this was evident in the late 70s when we were contracted to carry fuel into Malawi. The country was experiencing a severe drought and the fuel was needed for the upcoming planting season.

We started off using 44-gallon drums to transport the fuel but the drums ended up getting damaged and leaking which caused a safety hazard. It was then decided that we should borrow some 1900 litre helicopter drop tanks from one of the government departments to transport the fuel but these proved very difficult to load and unload.

In the end, we decided to design and manufacture 7000-litre fuel tanks. Two such tanks could be carried per aircraft. These worked very well and were used for many years thereafter.